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6.12.2013

Enzo Zidane to play for Real Madrid Under-18

The Zidane dynasty is very much on the up. Enzo, Zizou's oldest son, is following in his father's golden footsteps and is set to represent Real Madrid's under-18s ('Juvenil A') next season, the last waypoint before making the leap into senior football. The starlet, who just turned 18, is coming off a fine campaign in Fernando Morientes' championship-winning under-17s ('Juvenil B').

Enzo Zidane

This season he has been one of the most valuable players, playing both as a midfielder as playmaker, as did the great Zinedine Zidane in his longed time. When not in France completing his coaching badges, Zidane Sr. has barely missed a 'Juvenil B' game in which his chip off the old block has featured. It is worth remembering that Enzo's younger brothers, Luca and Theo, are also on Real Madrid's youth teams.

Enzo has been a regular this season, acquitting himself equally well in the hole behind the strikers and in central midfield, where his old man shone in his halcyon days. The 18-year-old is all set for his tenth season at Valdebebas, having risen through the ranks and to the cusp of the big time - Jose Mourinho invited the youngster to train with the first team two years ago - purely on his own merit.

The starlet has superb technique, including the odd move reminiscent of his father, although it is pointless drawing comparisons at this stage. He possesses a wicked shot from long range and is also a real physical specimen, coming in at 1.86m and 75kg, according to the club's website.

Last Monday all Juvenil B players were informed about their destination. Several players will not stay, as Alfonso Adam (Antonio's brother). Others, like Enzo, will do. Both he and his companions (Agoney, an attacker and Craninx a Belgian goalkeeper are the other stars of the team) have the incentive and responsibility of playing the UEFA Youth League, the youth Champions League born this year which is organized by the European football association.

The tournament will join the youth squads of the clubs that play the European Cup, facing in the first phase with the same opponents that their respective senior teams. The Real Madrid under-18s team will play the home matches of this competiton at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium and are expected to be broadcast. The white club wants to show a good image and the youth squad will be strengthened for this purpose.